“Music has always helped me tell my story... whether we like country or rap or rock, music helps us share ourselves, our dignity and sorrows, our hopes and joys,” she said. “It allows us to hear one another. To invite one another in.”

Keys closed out the historic moment, telling the crowd, “Tonight we celebrate the greatness in each other. All of us,” later adding, “Who runs the world?”

Obama posted a photo of the historic group on Instagram after her surprise appearance, writing that she was “thrilled” to share the stage with such amazing women.

“For me, a big part of friendship is showing up for your girls ― whether that’s for a birthday, a quick catch-up after work, or a major milestone,” Obama wrote to Lady Gaga, Pinkett Smith, Lopez and Keys. “So I was thrilled to be there for the one and only @aliciakeys at the #GRAMMYs. She is one of the most genuine, caring, and thoughtful people I know ― there’s no one better to help us all celebrate the unifying power of music!”